ISTANBUL – Iran earned its first victory ever at basketball’s world championship, blowing most of a 24-point lead before holding on to beat Tunisia 71-58 on Monday.

Hamed Haddadi of the Memphis Grizzlies had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Iranians (1-2), whose lead was down to three in the final minutes before they pulled away again.

Playing in the event for the first time, Iran lost to Brazil and Croatia in its opening two games before easily beating Tunisia, now the lone winless team in Group B at 0-3.

Iran played in the Olympic basketball tournament in 2008 for the first time in more than 60 years after winning the Asian championship the year before. The Iranians defended the Asian title last year to earn their spot in the worlds field.